The shaman, cast in glorious gold, stands
before
us
majestically. He appears to be wearing an
elaborate
ritual costume with headdress, belt and
skirt. By
the
tense expression on his face, we may
assume
that he
is connecting with his "alter-ego" or higher
spirit
through transformation. By taking
hallucinogenic
drugs, the shaman was able to
communicate with
the
supernatural and actually become one
with these
forces and energies. Thus, the shaman
had an
exalted leadership status amongst the
ordinary
natives in the society. The beautiful and
unusual
frame which surrounds the shaman is
clearly of
importance, yet we lack to fully
understand its
meaning. The mystery and beauty of this
ancient
culture remains an enigma. The shaman,
priest,
nobility who may have worn this fabulous
work of
art
must have made a great statement by his
exquisite
taste which can only be appreciated by a
kindred
soul.
- (FJ.6152)
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